Counterfeit Gallery

Cohiba - New Style

Original band

Cohiba's new band was released in June, 2003, first appearing on the new Siglo VI. The design is familiar to Cohiba smokers, with some notable differences. The first is the gold on the word "Cohiba" and its surrounding border, plus a gold line has been added running through the center of the band. The "La Habana, Cuba" script on the old label has been changed to simply "Habana, Cuba". Lastly, there are now three rows of white square dots above the word "Cohiba" where before there were two. All Cohibas being produced now are being packaged with the new bands, but old bands are still in circulation.

Counterfeit purchased in Cuba

This cigar band has only two rows of black dots above the word "Cohiba" rather than the requisite three, but it's the lack of embossment and fine golden luster on the brand name that immediately gives it away as a fake.

Counterfeit sent in from New Orleans

This band was on a cigar that came in a sealed box with a certificate of authenticity, but the lack of raised lettering and luster on "Cohiba" are a clear indication it is a fake. The band does have the proper three rows of dots above the brand name, but a thin, white line separates the name and rows, further evidence the band is counterfeit. Lastly, the script is bold rather than light as on the genuine article.

Counterfeit purchased in Florida

This is the first fake band we've seen that was on a Cohiba Siglo VI. It has two obvious font problems. The brand name is of smaller type than the original, and the scripted "Habana, Cuba" is darker than it should be. There's also a slim line of white between the rows of white dots and the brand name, which shouldn't be there. The gold luster of the real band hasn't been replicated properly, either, perhaps proving that the Cuban cigar industry chose well when redesigning the band on perhaps their most famous brand.

Counterfeit purchased in Cozumel, Mexico

At first glance this appears to be a fairly well-done copy, but it's missing one row of white dots above the word "Cohiba." There should be three. The letters in the brand name should be thicker as well.